The world of mixed martial arts has been boiling with the updated UFC lightweight rankings. Major names like Conor Mcgregor and Tony Ferguson have been removed from the list, only to be replaced by newer fighters. Although Ferguson’s past couple of fights did not result in what the fans wanted, they still wished to see the lightweight fighter on the list. However, the fans also agreed with the fact that his removal was justified. ‘El Cucuy’ hasn’t been able to win even a single fight since UFC 238. Nonetheless, the fighter seemingly remains a fan favorite.
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The UFC has revealed the new list of rankings, and MMA journalist Alex Behunin took it upon himself to point out the missing fighters on the list. However, fans weren’t very happy at the revelations. Moreover, they seemed to demand a proper retirement for ‘El Cucuy’.
Fans respond to the updated lightweight rankings
Alex Behunin, recently declared that Tony Ferguson was out of the UFC lightweight rankings. He posted an image of the list on Twitter and captioned it, “Tony Ferguson is out of the rankings.”
Tony Ferguson is out of the rankings https://t.co/Dwawe5m2AJ
— Alex Behunin (@AlexBehunin) December 20, 2022
The list showed Islam Makhachev sitting on the champion’s throne, with Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje in the top three. Additionally, Drew Dober and Grant Dawson seemingly replaced Fergusson and Conor McGregor. Furthermore, Michael Chandler, who defeated ‘El Cucuy’ in UFC 274, found his way up in the top five, as Beneil Dariush took the fourth rank.
Without a doubt, the comments section was flooded with comments displaying the dissatisfaction of the fans. While many admitted to Ferguson getting out of the rankings, many did not like the positioning of the other fighters on the list.
Here is what people said:
End of an era🥲
— Bceezy (@bceezy18) December 20, 2022
Today was a sad day
— FIGHT GUY (@FightingPetah) December 20, 2022
sad but understandable
— Toti (@SalShulk) December 20, 2022
He is out for his own good. His last win came pre-covid. He needs to fight some unranked guys.
— Karan Tikoo (@TikooKaran) December 20, 2022
Give Tony 3x easy non ranked opponents this year then don’t give him a new contract. Give the dude a perfect retirement chance then if he signs somewhere else that’s his own fault. But UFC will 100% sacrifice him to prospects & make use of his name while they can
— hrntt (@hotzot9) December 20, 2022
Love the dude, but it's for the best. I hope he can end his career with matchups against other vets like Jim Miller rather than being fed to up and coming killers who will aim to put him on their highlight reels
— AJD (@TheSarcasticGee) December 20, 2022
That’s just going to make him a steppingstone. I really think he should hang them up
— Tommy Boy 🇵🇷🇲🇽🇺🇸 (@TommyRami22) December 20, 2022
What’s next for Tony Ferguson?
The lightweight warrior didn’t receive mercy from any of his opponents in his last five fights. All of those resulted in his defeat. These losses are probably the reason why his rankings have gone down and finally got him removed from the rankings. However, the story of the fighter has not reached the ending, yet.
At the UFC Vegas 64, Grant Dawson and Mark Madsen called out ‘El Cucuy’. In the post-fight interview, Madsen called out Ferguson and declared, “Vas a morir [you are going to die].” Furthermore, Dawson gave a note that he took over the 15th rank and challenged the former rank #15.
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He said, “If Tony wants to come and try and get that spot back, I’m more than willing to defend my newly ranked position against Tony Ferguson next.” Moreover, ‘El Cucuy’ might also go against Conor McGregor, given the history that the two of them share.
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What are your thoughts on the new rankings? Let us know in the comments down below.